Ambedkar in his May 1936 speech describes a similar figurative circle that keeps Dalits deprived of basic rights. In terms of material and spiritual conditions, Dalits are in a state of perpetual depravity. In terms of material prospects the Dalits lack manpower, since in a particular area they are fewer, unorganised and scattered; they lack the financial strength since they possess no land, trade, business and service. And finally, through unremitting abuse and assaults, the spark of revolt and rebellion has been quelled, and their mental strength weakened.
https://thewire.in/caste/recounting-ambedkars-logic-for-conversion
In terms of religious prospects, as long as Dalits stay in the Hindu fold, their oppression is unavoidable due to scriptural injunctions and the belief in the eternal validity of scriptures (hence, ‘Sanatana’ – i.e., eternal – Dharma).
Could the law provide a solution, then? We see in the case of the Mahad satyagraha the complicity of administrators with caste-Hindus. The Bolé resolution of 1923 had provided access to all castes to public spaces. But an exertion of their rights by Ambedkar and other Dalits by drinking the water of the Chavadar tank at Mahad caused sporadic riots around Mahad in which many Dalits were singled out and mercilessly beaten.
We thus notice that be it in terms of material, spiritual or juridical contexts, the oppression of Dalits is reinforced. No patch work will alleviate the symptoms. Hence the solution, according to Ambedkar, is conversion – and to Buddhism.
30/044/2024
